By Jayden Oyler

VYPE: When and how did you first get into playing your sport?

Kentrell Thurston: I started playing when I was three, my mom put me on a little basketball team and I have been playing ever since. Throughout the years, it has taught me self-control and how to trust other people.

VYPE: Which professional athlete do you look up to any why?

KT: Kyrie Irving would have to be the professional athlete I look up to the most because he plays calm and patient like he’s not thinking about anything but playing basketball.

VYPE: What has been your favorite memory of playing?

KT: When we won state in the 2022-2023 season it was the best memory ever that I will cherish forever.

VYPE: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?

KT: Always be a leader and not a follower because you cannot lead from the back. I live by that every day.

VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on a team?

KT: Knowing that you’re not alone and that you’re in this together. I really appreciate the brother that has come with basketball throughout the years.

VYPE: Who inspires you and why?

KT: My mom inspires me because she is strong with everything that she goes through. It pushed me to really push and be the best that I can.

VYPE: What is your favorite part about representing your high school as an athlete?

KT: Seeing the faces of the little kids when we walk in the room, they just light up I love that we have that impact on them

VYPE: What has your sport taught you that makes you a better person?

KT: It taught me self-control how to trust other people and believe in myself

VYPE: Is there anyone you want to give a shoutout or say thank you to?

KT: I want to say thank you to God because it’s not possible without him. I also want to thank my family and my coaches for pushing me every day.